Archer, rest of Rays’ staff, shut down Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays' Yunel Escobar slides safely into second base as Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts throws to first for the out on James Loney in the fourth inning an exhibition baseball game, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Tampa Bay Rays' David DeJesus, below, is picked off at first base with the bases loaded as Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli, top, makes the play in the third inning of an exhibition baseball game, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Tampa Bay Rays' James Loney follows through on a two-run home run off Boston Red Sox's Rubby De La Rosa during the second inning an exhibition baseball game, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Tampa Bay Rays' David DeJesus, right, is welcomed at home plate by Logan Forsythe as he scores on an RBI single by Matt Joyce in the first inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Joyce follows through on an RBI single off Boston Red Sox's Clay Buchholz in the first inning of an exhibition baseball game, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

This is a 2014 photo of pitcher Clay Buchholz of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. This image reflects the Red Sox active roster as of Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 when this image was taken. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

This is a 2014 photo of pitcher Jake Peavy of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. This image reflects the Red Sox active roster as of Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 when this image was taken. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Archer, who finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, allowed a hit and struck out one.

Molina, among the slowest players in baseball, went 2-for-2, including a double, walked and drove in a run. He scored from first on David DeJesus’s triple in the second inning. The catcher scored two runs in a game just twice last season, the last time on July 5.

“Typically good,” Rays Manager Joe Maddon said of Molina’s base running. “He didn’t break stride scoring from first, which was nice to see, and we definitely play in the right ballpark for that to occur. That can’t happen anywhere. So the people here today really should feel fortunate to see J-Mo score on a ball in the gap from first base. It’s equally as rare sometimes from second base.”

Molina doubled and scored from second on Hak-Ju Lee’s double to center field in the fifth inning.

Rays right fielder Matt Joyce went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz made his Grapefruit League debut for Boston, going one inning, giving up a run on three hits and a walk with one strikeout.

Starting time

Red Sox: Buchholz missed four months last season with neck and shoulder problems. He struggled in his Game 4 start in the World Series.

“I think more than anything it was good to see Clay back on the mound. He showed decent arm strength,” Red Sox Manager John Farrell said. “A good starting point for him.”

Rays: Archer, a right-hander has been working on adding a changeup to his repertoire this spring.

“It was exactly what I wanted. I threw them to lefties and righties,” Archer said. “They were down in the strike zone. One was a ball, but it was still where I wanted it, so overall, I think for Game 1, mission accomplished.”

Archer said while warming up in the bullpen he visualized throwing a backdoor slider to David Ortiz. He did so in the first inning for a called third strike to end the inning.

“Nothing is like executing it in the game to one of the best hitters of all time,” Archer said. “So it does get me excited.”

Maddon was pleased with Archer’s outing.

“He was really sharp with all of his stuff,” Maddon said. “Worked on some things. He was really good.”

For the record

Red Sox: David Ortiz is hitless in seven at-bats over three games, with one walk, one strikeout, one RBI and a run scored.

Rays: Tampa Bay used seven pitchers, each of whom gave up just one hit, except for left-hander Mark Lowe, who followed Archer and allowed two hits.

Trainer’s room

Red Sox: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski will get a couple of days off after rolling his left ankle in a game against the Pirates on Monday.

∎ Catcher David Ross was scheduled to play yesterday but was scratched because of inflammation in a tendon in his left foot. He had an MRI on Monday that revealed no structural issues, and he is scheduled to play Friday against the Braves.

∎ Right-hander Jake Peavy, who cut his left index finger with a fishing knife on Saturday, threw long toss yesterday and is expected to throw from a mound today. He won’t catch, however. Someone else will catch for him.

∎ Right-fielder Shane Victorino, who has been delayed after having surgery on his right thumb in December, took batting practice for the first time yesterday. Farrell said Victorino came through it fine.

∎ Right-hander Matt Barnes, one of the organization’s top prospects who last pitched Feb. 27 against Boston College, will get a couple more days off because of shoulder stiffness.

Not so happy birthday

Red Sox: Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa turned 25. He was roughed up in two innings, giving up four runs on five hits, including one homer, and two walks. He struck out one.

Rays: Minor league outfielder Jake Hager turned 21. He was called out on strikes in his only plate appearance.